Channel 5 and Acorn TV have commissioned Ellis, a new detective drama from Company Pictures set to film in Northern Ireland this spring.

Starring Sharon D Clarke, the 3 x 120’ drama centres on DCI Ellis (Clarke), a tenacious murder detective who is tasked with trouble-shooting failing investigations. Andrew Gower co-stars as her right-hand man DS Harper.

Catherine Mackin, MD Acorn Media Enterprises (AME), commissioned the series for Acorn TV and executive produces alongside Bea Tammer, AME’s director of development.

Executive producers for Company Pictures are Michele Buck and Lucy Raffety, with producer Chris Martin and writers Paul Logue and Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre.

Ellis was ordered for Channel 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer, Paramount UK and Paul Testar, commissioning editor, drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+. Both also serve as executive producers for the series. Ellis is made in association with All3Media and Northern Ireland Screen.

Exec producer Buck said: “Company Pictures are proud and delighted to be creating a new detective series for Channel 5 and Acorn with funding from Northern Ireland Screen, in association with All3Media International.  Sharon D. Clarke is the perfect DCI Ellis, who will bring her inimitable talents to this inventive and powerful new female-led detective series.”
Sharon D Clarke image credit: Darren Bell.